Revna Biosciences introduces cutting-edge diagnostics in Ghana with AstraZeneca support

GHANA— Revna Biosciences, a Ghanaian precision medicine and diagnostics company, has partnered with AstraZeneca to enhance access to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) biomarker testing in Ghana.

This collaboration represents a significant milestone, as Revna Biosciences has recently received approval from the Ghana Food and Drug Authority (FDA) to deploy the NeuMoDx™ 96 system.

This makes Revna Biosciences the first company to register and utilize this advanced diagnostics platform in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Through this partnership, AstraZeneca and Revna Biosciences aim to transform cancer care in Ghana by not only enhancing diagnostic capabilities but also paving the way for targeted therapies tailored to individual patients’ genetic profiles.

The introduction of the NeuMoDx™ 96 system will enable more accurate and timely EGFR testing, which is crucial for the early detection and effective treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common type of lung cancer.

EGFR is a protein that plays a key role in cell growth, division, and survival. Mutations in the EGFR gene can cause cancer cells to multiply rapidly, making EGFR a critical biomarker in diagnosing and treating lung cancer, especially NSCLC.

 Accurate EGFR testing allows doctors to identify patients who may benefit from targeted therapies, which have been shown to be more effective and less toxic than traditional chemotherapy.

Dr. Khomotso Mashilane, Medical Director for the African Cluster at AstraZeneca, highlighted the significant impact of this initiative.

 She stated that the company is dedicated to working alongside governments, healthcare professionals, and patient communities to enhance healthcare systems and improve access to innovative cancer treatments throughout Africa.

He noted that investing in EGFR biomarker testing and precision medicine is a pivotal step toward delivering the treatments Ghanaian patients need and deserve.

According to Dr. Mashilane, today’s patients are at the center of their work, and advances in targeted therapies offer real hope for improved outcomes in the future.

The first phase of this collaboration will focus on mapping and streamlining the patient journey-from accurate diagnosis to effective treatment-to ensure better health outcomes.

 Additionally, the partnership will provide educational programs and workshops for healthcare professionals, equipping them with the latest tools and knowledge for early lung cancer detection and improved clinical results.

 These efforts are expected to contribute significantly to global cancer control initiatives.

Dr. Derrick Edem Akpalu, CEO and Co-Founder of Revna Biosciences, highlighted the timeliness of this partnership, given the growing demand for personalized healthcare in Ghana.

He stressed that advances in EGFR testing and targeted therapies represent unprecedented hope for cancer patients in the country.

 Dr. Akpalu also reaffirmed their commitment to raising awareness and increasing access to life-saving treatments, ensuring that every patient in Ghana has the best chance to thrive.

The knowledge gained from this initiative will not only benefit patients in Ghana but also contribute to improved cancer care worldwide.

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